Promises2Kids

When we say we are “creating a brighter future for foster children,” we mean giving them the resources and support they need to reach the healthy and fulfilling life of their dreams. But what do those brighter futures look like after they’ve left Promises2Kids programs? A group of Alumni Guardian Scholars were brought together at?Mattarello Kitchen?to learn the craft of pasta making and share a meal they all had a hand in. Catching up with this group was an inspiration. They have gone on to make incredible and meaningful steps in their personal and professional lives and to have so many back together in one place was uplifting. Some have families and businesses of their own, are working in fields helping others, and some are still exploring their greatest potential. We are proud of each and every one of them!

How did you get started in your career? Did you switch majors, fields, or lines of work? Did you have professional mentors along the way? When did you know that you found the right path? Ever dealt with imposter syndrome? What do you wish you had learned earlier? Many of us can remember transitioning into adult and professional life, when it seemed all we had was question after question and no answers. Some of us could have used a mentor! Luckily for Guardian Scholars who participate in Leadership Network, they had the chance to ask an array of coaches just those types of questions at our biannual Networking Mixer. Guardian Scholars practiced introducing themselves, speaking about their interests and ambitions, and learning about different professions. It was also a chance to pick the brains of established and professionally successful community members, gathering grains of hard-earned wisdom along the way. It’s always inspiring to witness Guardian Scholars grow into themselves as they confront their anxieties, hone their skills, and see their future come into focus. We are grateful to our Leadership Network coaches for taking their time to give back and help uplift others. This wouldn’t be possible without you!

Kick off the holiday season with a shopping event hosted by Joan Waitt and Eileen Johnson at Neiman Marcus this Sunday, November 24th! Enjoy festive drinks and light bites, expert wardrobe and gift curation, beauty demonstrations, a raffle of luxe giveaways, gourmet food tastings, and more - all for a good cause. 10% of sales during the event support foster children in San Diego through Promises2Kids. The festivities begin with a private cocktail party and holiday gift show on Level 3, followed by exclusive after-hours shopping throughout the store. RSVP for this free event! https://lnkd.in/gj9ydssD

Over our 43 years, Promises2Kids has helped thousands of foster children in need with growing programs of wrap-around support. #NationalPhilanthopyDay is a special day set aside to recognize the impact YOU have had on our efforts and our community. Today, let’s celebrate the change we’ve made, the change we’re making, and the change that is yet to come. We’re grateful to every, donor, volunteer, mentor, advocate, and partner in our mission. Together we are creating a brighter future for foster children. If you’d like to join us in our mission, make a gift, volunteer, or become a mentor at Promises2Kids.org. #philanthropy #SanDiego #fosterchildren #givelocal #nonprofit

Long-time supporter, Mark Wills, and his family were featured in Giving Back Magazine's “Feel Good Friday” series last week. Mark has a long and impressive list of credentials: CEO, entrepreneur, and former foster youth, not to mention father and husband. We’re grateful to add a few that directly impact our work with foster youth, including - board member, major donor, and mentor with Promises2Kids. In the interview, Mark spoke about maximizing his impact: “I choose to support Promises2Kids because they are the most predominant foster nonprofit in San Diego, and they have the most direct impact on foster youth at the ground level.” While we’re grateful to be associated with such kind words, the truth is, Promises2Kids is what it is today because of countless, passionate, and dedicated supporters like Mark and, his wife, Heather Wills, who give of themselves to help create a brighter future for foster children. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them. We’re grateful for the entire Wills family and all involved with our mission! Stay tuned for more info about the 2024 Give From Your Heart Holiday Gift Drive! https://lnkd.in/g7JiCut8

Join Promises2Kids for a free holiday shopping event on November 24th at Neiman Marcus San Diego, hosted by Joan Waitt and Eileen Johnson. There’s more than just shopping with festive drinks and light bites, expert wardrobe and gift curation, beauty demonstrations, a raffle of luxe giveaways, gourmet food tastings, and more to welcome a season of generous festivities! The festivities begin with a private cocktail party and holiday gift show on Level 3, followed by exclusive after-hours shopping throughout the store. 10% of sales during the event support foster children in San Diego through Promises2Kids. RSVP https://lnkd.in/gAVEwFrr

Camp Connect recently set out for its Annual Roar and Snore Overnight at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This event is one of the highlights of the year because overnights are a chance for siblings to not only spend some extra hours together, but to be one of the last people they see before going to bed, and one of the first when they wake up.?? ? After spending the day encountering rhinos, antelope, condors, cheetahs, and more exotic and rare creatures in native habitats and private guided tours, campers headed for the exclusive Roar and Snore event space, tents, and campground. Groups of siblings then split to join tour guides on hosted after-hours walking tours, witnessing rare behind-the-scenes sites of animals in their nightly rituals. All settled in at a big campfire complimented by s’mores and hot chocolate. When it was time to sleep, each child was provided a sleeping bag, blanket, and their choice of a Squishmallow plush toy. ? A big breakfast greeted them in the morning before they enjoyed a private tram ride of the park before it was open to the public. After the tram ride, the group walked over to a private wildlife ambassador presentation, where zookeepers brought out small animals, like hedgehogs and birds, up close to campers.? ? As the morning wore on, it was time for hugs and goodbyes until next time. Thanks to Promises2Kids supporters like you, that won’t be long.?

Happy Halloween! Thank you again to the wonderful volunteer teams from National Charity League for getting out entire office in the spirit! We wish all a safe and fun Halloween!

ABC10 Anchor and Reporter, Moses Small caught up with Promises2Kids CEO Tonya Torosian to get the backstory and impetus behind our new Foster Futures program, backed by Lucky Duck Foundation and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. Former foster youth are one of the highest groups at risk, with approximately 30% of them becoming homeless within 24 months of leaving foster care at the age of 21. San Diego’s youth deserve better, and by intervening with critical support, we can prevent them from becoming part of this statistic. Join us by helping us fill our $200k funding gap for this $1M program. Together, let’s build a bridge to stability! www.Promises2Kids.org https://lnkd.in/g4bdsczJ

Congratulations to our CEO, Tonya Torosian , for being recognized for the 22nd Annual San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce Women In Leadership Luncheon! Tonya along with 6 others were recognized as outstanding women who excel professionally and as community leaders. We are grateful to the Chamber for championing local leaders and celebrating Tonya's dedication to improving the lives of San Diego's foster children.